Booming chants echo across the gym. Shiny pom-poms glisten as you see flips across the sidelines. The crowd’s energy is contagious, and it’s all because of Northwood Pep Squad’s vibrant spirit.
Everything from the coordinated cheers to the complicated formations requires hours of practice and adjustments. But according to varsity cheer coach Summer Boyer, what’s most important is the dedication that cheerleaders have to the sport.
“We always make sure that the girls have time to prepare for all of their competitions and events,” Boyer said. “But honestly it’s really not hard because the girls love what they do and you can really see that through their energy in games and practices.”
Although it can be hard for Pep Squad to prepare for both competitions and school events for those that also choose to compete, the cheerleaders allocate extra time and energy for team and individual practices by participating in extra practice time on weekdays and weekends. Choosing to participate in the competition team adds an extra time commitment, but they manage the schedule with early preparation and the support of their teammates.
“The cheer camp that we go to in the summer is really helpful in preparing us for the year since that’s where we learn and practice most of our dances and chants that we think we would want to use for most of the games and rallies,” varsity cheerleader junior Marley Stokes said. “But then throughout the year if we see that a cheer is viral on tiktok or if someone comes up with something that sounds like it would hype up the crowd we just bring it up during practice and end up trying it out at the next game.”
Throughout the year, Pep Squad divides their efforts across cross country races, football, tennis and volleyball games along with rallies throughout the first semester to create an exciting environment for all athletes and students, regardless of the sport. Many times this can be difficult due to overlapping events, but they work to overcome their hectic schedules, knowing the positive impact they make, according to junior varsity cheer captain sophomore Lannea Hazzard.
“Even though it can be really hard to manage all of it and it really is a lot of work, we all really just have fun while practicing and doing everything,” Hazzard said. “We’re also really good about splitting things up between the JV team and varsity which makes balancing preparing for stunts, cheers and dances a lot easier. It’s also always a lot of fun to work with everyone.”
The cheerleaders often spend time rehearsing chants and dances that they had learned during cheer camp in the summer, collaborating with ASB, class councils and sports teams to prepare for games and execute coordinated events such as senior nights, games of the month and themed football games.
“We are constantly working with ASB to help improve spirit by showing up to games and practicing chants that we use during cheers and they use to make posters,” varsity cheerleader junior Niharika Mahesh said. “Our biggest way of collaborating with the spirit and rally commissioners is through chants. Everywhere we go, the student section loves to do them.”
The energy the Northwood Pep Squad brings to every game is propelled by their tight-knit team community. This aspect of the cheer team is what attracts many to try out During the year, they enjoy building connections with one another whether it be through cheer camp at Great Wolf Lodge in the summer, movie nights throughout the year or other simple, fun activities according to Hazzard and Mahesh.
“Cheer has definitely given me a sisterhood and sense of belonging,” Mahesh said. “My closest friends are on this team and cheering together really brings everyone together.”
Pep Squad hopes to continue to foster school spirit throughout the remainder of the fall sports season, as well as with other rallies and school events during their off season.
